Online Depression Therapist

What does depression feel like?

Some common symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) include:

1. Lowered mood, a lack of motivation

2. Changes in appetite, sleep patterns either over sleeping or insomnia

3. Lack of libido

4. Lack of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities

5. Body aches and pains

6. Thoughts of suicide

7. General feeling of hopelessness and helplessness and difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Some common emotions associated with depression can be sadness, feelings of guilt, irritable mood, anger outbursts, feelings of emptiness or loneliness, and anxiety. To be diagnosed with MDD, symptoms have to be present for at least two weeks.

Is there different types of depression disorders?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is classed as a mood disorder recognised in the DSM-5, other common mood disorders include: Persistent Depressive Disorder “Dysthymia”, Bipolar Affective Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Mood disorders are highly treatable with the first step reaching out for help from a trained professional psychologist.

Persistent Depressive Disorder “Dysthymia” is recognised as a depressed mood most of the day for more days than not lasting for at least two years. Symptoms are milder than in MDD.

Bipolar affective disorder can be a serious mood disorder characterised by cycling between euphoric/manic moods and depressed moods. When experiencing euphoric moods the individual may participate in risky or impulsive behaviours, sleep less, and experience racing thoughts, and rapid speech. This is typically followed by periods of depression. Manic or depressive mood episodes can last for a few days to a few months and can vary in degree of either mood. Treatment includes a combination of medication, therapy, and various lifestyle changes.

Types of online therapy used to treat depression and mood disorders

Online depression treatment approaches include a combination of therapy, an increase in social and medical (in some cases) support, as well as lifestyle changes. Following the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Kind Mind Psychology has professional online psychologists who will tailor a treatment plan that includes a combination of evidence-based therapies delivered via telehealth to address depression or other mood disorders, these include:

Psychoeducation involving thorough clinical assessment of your personal symptoms of depression, the history of these symptoms, and how you have coped with these symptoms in the past. It also includes providing accurate, up-to-date education and feedback to the client on the impact their depression can have on their mental and physical well-being.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is used in depression therapy and mood disorders to identify and modify any unhelpful thoughts and behaviour patterns and increase confidence for change through developing more positive coping skills. Your psychologist will assist you with practicing these to improve your quality of life.

• Schema Therapy can be part of depression therapy especially if it has been a persistent problem. The Schema Therapy approach identifies any unmet needs and core beliefs stemming from childhood which impact negatively on emotions, thoughts and patterns of behaviours. Your Schema therapists can help you to meet any unmet core emotional needs and weaken unhelpful patterns of behaviour to more positive ways to cope. Schema Therapy is also useful in treating traumatic experiences which are sometimes associated with depression.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapy approach that helps to accept (not like or enjoy) what you are thinking and feeling but instead of fusing to, or struggling to change these thoughts, teaches you mindfulness strategies to be ‘curious’ about them, and learn ways to let them go. ACT is a core values-driven therapy approach that focuses on guiding you towards your own meaningful life goals.

What can happen when mood disorders are untreated?

Depression is highly treatable and it is never too late to ask for help. If depression remains untreated they can compound and reduce quality of life. The following are common consequences to untreated depressive disorders:

- Strain or ending of relationships

- Chronic depression can lead to various physical health issues, including cardiovascular issues, obesity, gastrointestinal problems, and autoimmune diseases.

- Addiction issues can develop when the person with depression self-medicates through the use of substances like alcohol or other drugs to reduce their symptoms. Behavioural addictions such as gaming or porn addiction can result from avoiding situations in favour of escaping into these activities.

- Untreated depression can affect many areas of our lives and can impact on our social, academic or occupational functioning. In extreme cases, this can lead to unemployment, isolating ourselves from others, and financial hardship.

- Other mental health disorders can develop as a result of untreated depression such as extreme anger, paranoia or psychosis. Untreated depression is highly correlated with suicide.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there are many ways to get help 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. These organisations are:

• Lifeline - 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

• MensLine Australia (counselling service for men) - 1300 78 99 78

• Kids Helpline (for young people up to 25 years) - 1800 55 1800

• Open Arms (for veterans, ex-serving personnel and their families) - 1800 011 046